What amplifiers/integrateds do you like with Cornwall IVs?


I sold my Forte IIIs and moved in Cornwall IVs.  I have 3 amps to play with, but because I'm doing break in and running them for long periods, I'm using a Class A Music Hall Mambo.  It sounds pretty sublime.   Later I'll try the 300B and PP KT150 integrated.  

What do folks like to pair Cornwall IVs with?  This Class A amp makes me think I should beg Santa for a Luxman Class A!
128x128jbhiller

Showing 8 responses by jbhiller

Hi Dweller!  I agree with you.  The Cornwalls do seem like more of set it and forget it final destination speaker.  They do so much so well. 

I still haven't swapped out the Music Hall Mambo.  It is a very nice amp, yet I was a bit surprised to hear it sound so wonderful with the Cornwalls.  

I made need to sell my Primaluna HP integrated.  It's too many watts for these. 
@kren0006,  Today is day one of the new Cornwalls.  I'm 6 hours into them and I haven't swapped out the Music Hall Mambo.  It's my weakest amp!  It sounds so glorious that I haven't even tried the 300B or Primaluna yet. 

I'll update you. I'm wondering if KT150s are too much, and I should swap in EL34s or variants.  
Lots of great points to unpack. 

First up, the Jadis issue.  That is something.  I'm glad to hear that there may be a pair running under one.  I am 46 and never thought I'd own a Klipsch speaker.  I built an Elekit 300B and did many high end upgrades.  I like how the Klipsch Heritage Series sounds with well made tube amps. 

@jjss49 , I think you are probably right on the mark. There are others who are great and smaller who are more than deserved to be on your list above. I would open for question whether Cary is as good as the others but I must admit that's perception--not reality. I haven't heard their product in 12 years. 

@boothroyd, Yes. Exactly.  I love SET and how its topology sounds at certain levels but it is not enough watts even in many high efficiency setups.  I think 25-30 watts is ideal.


Yes, russ69, I do think you are right.  It changes the field I'm playing on.  
Um, two words-- "Classical Music!"  ---I hear it like never before.  These speakers could be a doorway to and place within the genre for me. 
Update--

So 30 hours of straight play from the Music Hall Class A Mambo, and I swapped in the Primaluna HP Integrated, running KT 150s and reissue Gold Lion 12au7s (I have enough NOS 12au7s to last 100 years, and I think these are almost comparable to NOS, almost).  

Holy cannoli!  This is nuts how holographic and gorgeous this sounds.  
@kren0006,  the PL wins hands down. BUT (and it's a big but) the Class A Mambo sounded just lovely with them.  Very clear, nice drive, plenty of detail and very musical.  The PL just had more timbre to instruments, bigger sound, and larger soundstage.